Como’s Champions League Aspirations Suffer Setback Following Defeat to Sassuolo in Serie A

The visitors appeared to be the only ones with a genuine incentive to perform this season, as the European contenders dominated possession in the first half, while Sassuolo opted to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Como faced their first defeat in nearly two months after relinquishing a two-goal lead against league leaders Inter last week. As the half drew to a close, the Neroverdi had successfully contained them, making Como pay for their inability to convert chances when Sassuolo took the lead with two quick goals.

Fabio Grosso’s side initiated a counter-attack from deep in their own half, culminating in a pass that found M’Bala Nzola in space, whose precise through ball set up Cristian Volpato, allowing the forward to deftly lift his shot over the stranded Jean Butez to put the home team in front.

Only two minutes later, Sassuolo had doubled their advantage, with Nzola transitioning from provider to scorer by sliding his first goal since November past Butez from inside the box.

However, in stoppage time, the Lariani managed to reduce the deficit when Nico Paz’s soaring header nestled into the top left corner of the net, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

Despite conceding, the Neroverdi remained confident heading into the second half, particularly as they are the sole team in Serie A to have won every match this season in which they held a lead at half-time.

Butez had to stay sharp, denying Volpato’s shot as the hour mark approached, with Sassuolo eager to extend their lead.

Yet, with just over 20 minutes left, Paz came agonisingly close to equalising when his delicate shot from close range floated over Stefano Turati, but the keeper managed to recover in time to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Despite dominating possession, Como never appeared likely to find an equaliser as they succumbed to their first away defeat since December.

Sassuolo, meanwhile, have secured four victories in their last five home matches, enjoying a remarkable first season back in the top flight. This latest result propels them two places up to ninth, re-entering the top half, while a disappointed Como remains fifth and could see their gap to the top four widen to five points by the conclusion of the game week.